Ten Ways To Bug Proof Your Shed

With the weather getting warmer it can only mean one thing, more time spent outside. And with spending time outside comes entering your shed to get your garden tools and coming into contact with the bugs inside.

Not only are bugs frightening to some people, they can also cause damage to your shed, and in some cases, this could even be long-lasting.

Therefore, as Spring approaches what are the best ten ways to bug proof your shed?

Ten ways to bug proof your shed

1. No gaps in your shed

One of the obvious ways to prevent bugs from entering your shed is to ensure there are no gaps in your shed. Doing this can provide a security gate which can stop the bugs from entering. You can find gaps around windows and doors. To ensure there are no gaps simply ensure all the relevant joints are silicone sealed.

2. Spray insecticides

Another way to bug proof your shed is to spray your shed with insecticides. There are insecticides for all types of bugs available and are often easy to pick up from your local gardening store.

Simply cover your shed with insecticides and you are less likely to get a stampede of termites entering your shed.

3. Repellent lining paper

An easy way to prevent insects, especially spiders, from entering your shed is to lay down repellant. Repellent lining paper is an effective use of repellent. Simply cover it around any place an insect could break in such as doors, windows and cladding gaps.

4. Remove permanent light sources

Light sources are something bound to attract insects into your shed. For example moths, flies and more will all fly to the best source of light they can find. We’re not saying you have to have your shed in the pitch black all of the time. But you might want to consider ensuring there are no light sources in or around your shed.

If you are about to set up a new outdoor light or are looking at decorating the inside of your shed with fairy lights, it is a good idea to make sure they are turned off when not in use.

5. Heavy duty roofing felt

A good idea to bug proof your shed is to make sure the roof is constructed of heavy-duty polyester backed roof felt. By including this in your shed, you are making it difficult for any bugs to enter the shed through your roof. It is also an excellent way to make your shed warmer during the cold weather and will help keep damp from spreading throughout your shed. Heavy duty roofing felt can typically be found at most DIY stores.

6. Decoy

Think of a decoy like this, a small home at the side of your shed that will be more appealing for the insects to go inside of. A den is simply a box which is dark inside with plenty of small gaps for insects to enter. In theory, by placing a decoy next to your shed you will see a reduction in the number of insects inside your shed.

7. Secure your windows and doors

Securing your shed windows and doors is arguably one of the hardest methods of bug-proofing your shed to do.This is as, as you are probably aware, bugs can be tiny and often you won’t even be able to find the gaps they are entering through. Therefore, it might be worth considering that all your windows and doors are airtight.

Furthermore, bugs are most likely to enter through the gap of your shed door when it is shut. Therefore issue a special draft seal around your door to try and prevent any bugs from entering your shed.

8. Clear away plants

Plants and flowers can be the perfect place for bugs to live as they can provide shelter, food and may even protect them from predators. If located near your shed, it can be fairly easy for the bugs to then migrate into your shed. Consequently, you may want to consider ensuring there are no plants or weeds near your garden shed.

Alternatively, if you are growing vegetables, it would probably be a good idea to do this away from your shed. This is to simply prevent the risk of bugs nibbling on your freshly grown carrots.

9. Clean up and hoover

Cleaning up and hoovering your shed is essential when bug-proofing your shed. This is as spiders will love nothing more but to take residence in the pile of clutter in the corner of your shed. Therefore by simply tidying up will make one less space for spiders to hide.

In addition, hoovering up cobwebs and dust will help reduce the number of spiders in your shed. Ensure you cover all cracks, untouched places, under furniture, door frames and corners. We would suggest investing in a handheld vacuum, this is as the majority don’t require a source of power to run which will be convenient if you don’t have access to the power from your shed. Additionally, having a small handheld vacuum will allow you to reach corners and high up places much more easily.

10. Peppermint Oil

Did you know that peppermint oil is a natural spider deterrent? Turns out spiders hate the smell of natural oils and will stay away from them at all costs. Peppermint oil is easy to come across either online, in supermarkets or in health stores.

We recommend mixing 10-15 drops of oil into a small bottle of water (it can be tap water). Then, decant into a spray bottle and simply spray around your home. It would be best to spray it on your doors and windows at the least.

11. Cats

Cats are a very popular pet with the average household, with around 8 million just in the UK! Not only can cats be a wonderful addition to any household they are also expert spider hunters Natural cat instincts will activate when a spider is spotted and they will soon be chasing it out of the house. Therefore, cats are a great way to bug proof your shed without you having to do anything, except look after your cat!

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Our company has been established in the outdoor building and leisure products industry since 2000. Manufacturing and delivering all our buildings from our UK site, our talented engineers are always striving to develop and improve our buildings. Our blog is full of gardening tips and tricks, as well as interior ideas, news on the latest exciting events and DIY know-how.